The Frugal Diva’s Weblog-Live The Good Life With A Little Bargain Savvy » national parks

Last Minute Holiday Gifts

The Frugal Diva — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 16:13:36 +0000

When you need to shop and don’t want to hit the over crowded malls here are a few options.

Magazine subscriptions are just a click away and a little luxury that comes every month.

Check out the Broke Ass Gourmet for home made gifts such as sweet potato chips and other healthy yummy treats.

Goldstar Gift Certificates for fun experiences, wine tastings, and theater.

A one year pass to the National Parks.

Free Days At The National Parks

The Frugal Diva — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 16:54:13 +0000

When The Frugal Dude suggested going to Yosemite, The Frugal Diva replied that it was just a bunch of trees. I could not have been more incorrect. The magnificent vistas, the fresh air, the beautiful meadows of wild flowers, and spectacular waterfalls made me realize that there was a whole world that awaited outside of urban areas. And the other good news, it did not involve any camping. I also believed that you had to pitch a tent and gather berries for sustenance. Many National Parks have food and accommodations that are reasonable and don’t involve building your own fire. Of course for those who enjoy sleeping in the great outdoors there are numerous camp sites.

Just to make this more fun, these are the 2012 dates when entrance fees are waived.

January 14-16

Martin Luther King Jr. weekend

April 21-29

National Park Week

June 9

Get Outdoors Day

September 29

National Public Lands Day

November 10-12

Veterans Day weekend

Many of your 392 national parks NEVER charge an entrance fee. So start planning your visit!

And if you are over 62 get a Senior Pass for a one time $10 fee. This is for a lifetime of free admissions. The pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas (children under 16 are admitted free).

If you plan to visit several national parks in one year, consider the $80 one year pass.

The Frugal Dude was right, the national parks are a fabulous vacation and we have since been to the Grand Tetons, Glacier, Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon (the north and south rims), Bryce, Zion and many others. It is a great reminder what a vast and beautiful country we live in.

Let me know your favorites!

Senior Savings

The Frugal Diva — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 22:03:32 +0000

The Frugal Diva knows that getting older sucks. Sure people say age is just a number but did you notice that no one under fifty ever says that – unless they are trying to comfort a senior citizen. The number that really counts is how many dollars you save by embracing the discounts offers and reduced fees. Proudly declare you want that senior fare, ticket, or meal for yourself or your parents or grandparents.

Save on restaurants with the national AARP Restaurant Discount Center and the age for joining AARP is 50. Flash that card proudly at Budget Rent a Car, Walgreens, Golds Gym and other vendors on the AARP Benefits List. They even give you a discount on some technology.

The National Parks offers the Senior pass (one time fee of $10) – a lifetime admission and discount pass for citizens or permanent residents of the United States who are age 62 or older. The Senior pass admits the pass owner and any accompanying passengers in a private vehicle if a park has a per vehicle entrance fee. Where a per person entrance fee is charged, the Senior pass admits the pass owner, and three adults. Plus there is a 50% discount on camping and other activities.

And think about getting to that National Park with an Amtrak Senior Discount. Amtrak travelers 62 years of age and over are eligible to receive a 15% discount on the lowest available rail fare on most Amtrak trains.

Ross Dress For Less gives everyone over 55 a 10% discount on Tuesdays at all their stores. You’ll find more up to date discounts and coupons at Senior Discounts. It is a membership site however you may perform preliminary searches for the over 150,000 discounts on our web site, receive their weekly e-mail newsletter and utilize many other features on their web site for free.

Thumbs up to the Laemmle Chain for embracing seniors with reduced prices everyday and extra reductions for matinees on Wednesdays. Popcorn and a drink are $4 for seniors all the time. Another great reason to take your parents or grandparents to the movies. Some theaters are more generous than others so check out your local chains.

When ordering anything don’t be shy. Ask if there is a senior discount. At museums, hotels, amusement parks, and many other venues, the answer will often be “yes.”

Check out the Gift Card Granny for more specific regional discounts.

Oxnard

The Frugal Diva — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:06:41 +0000

What is an hour away from Los Angeles? Has a fabulous beach with free parking? And great food? Farm stands galore? Oxnard is a lovely day trip. Exit the 101 and enjoy beautiful vistas, fresh air, quaint shops, and great restaurants.

Walk along beautiful beaches after parking your car for free – yes really free parking. There are miles of uninterrupted sand and natural beauty.

Whale watching takes place almost year-round in the channel around Oxnard. From the end of December through mid-April, the coastline is rife with gray whales that are migrating from their breeding grounds in Baja California to the nutrient-rich ocean in Alaska. There are several boat tours for prime viewing.

And what is California without a wine tasting. Herzog Winery has several tastings and is known for both their kosher and non kosher labels. Pick up some authentic Mexican bake goods at La Central Bakery.

The McGrath Family Farm, in operation since 1868, has stands with organic produce, fantastic flowers, and you can take a tour for $7 to learn about sustainable farming.

With 35 miles of bike paths and kayak rentals, there is so much to do here you might want to stay overnight.